OMB appreciates
that the Science Resource Statistics Division (SRS) of NSF and the
Census Bureau are making major efforts to redesign this collection,
consistent with recommendations from the National Academies. We
understand that the redesign may well create a break in series from
the Survey of Industrial Research and Development, and strongly
encourage SRS to communicate with major data users to set their
expectations in this regard as well as to plan for feasible "bridge
tables" between the SIRD data and the BRDIS data to distinguish
between "actual" changes in the data and changes in the data
attributable to changes in the redesigned survey. Further, we
understand that SRS and Census are continuing to make improvements
to the questionnaires. We applaud efforts to eliminate the
questions already identified as unlikely to produce useful or
accurate results, and encourage further efforts to reduce
respondent burden and to ensure only questions that will elicit
reliable data are collected. Census must submit to OMB, via an
amendment to this collection, the final questionnaires prior to
fielding them. SRS and Census will report back to OMB prior to its
second year of data collection on the results of the first year. If
the results suggest that any substantive changes are required,
Census should submit a new clearance package. If the results
suggest no substantive changes, SRS and Census should notify OMB of
those findings, as well. These findings should include the result
of efforts to identify alternative and more timely modes of data
dissemination. Finally, prior to the commencement of each edition
of the Business R&D and Innovation Survey forms distribution,
the Census Bureau shall provide on its Internet site prominent
links to a set of finalized survey forms, including instructions
and cover letters, comparable to those provided for the 2007
Economic Census report forms. The final forms and letters shall
reflect any changes in the survey year, OMB number and expiration
date, and Census and NSF leadership from those submitted for
review.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2011
36 Months From Approved
01/31/2011
40,000
0
32,000
155,450
0
70,750
0
0
0
This survey will replace the Survey of
Industrial Research and Development. It has been conducted annually
since 1953;the U.S. Census Bureau has been responsible for the data
collection since 1957. The survey collected information regarding
R&D performance by companies operating in the U.S. In response
to the changing environment of R&D and a 2005 report produced
by the Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT), the survey has
undergone a comprehensive redesign. The redesigned surveywhich
will be renamed the Business R&D and Innovation Surveywill aim
to collect high quality, relevant, and timely data on R&D
activity and Innovation by U.S. based companies within the U.S and
worldwide.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form BRDI-1 Business R&D and Innovation Survey
2008 Supporting Statement - Part B.doc
Business R&D and Innovation Survey